IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health in Dependent Older Adults: an Exploration of Views From a Range of Stakeholders.
Objectives: The number of dentate older adults who are dependent on others for care has increased dramatically. This study aimed to report the views and perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the oral health of dependent older adults, the current dental care/services for this group and identify improvements required to services.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Northern Ireland via telephone and face-to-face with a range of stakeholders. Interviews continued until saturation was achieved using a purposive sampling strategy. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.
Results: Thirty-one interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including: dependent older adults (n=9), formal and informal carers (n=12), dentists (n=7), experts and researchers specialised in ageing/ oral health research (n=3). Five themes emerged from the interviews and included: lack of awareness of oral health, resistance from care staff to engage in oral health practices, the importance of oral health for maintaining quality of life, diet and nutritional status, increasing complexity of patients and their oral health and improvements needed to oral healthcare for dependent older adults.
Conclusions: Agreement was voiced that oral health care provision must be developed to meet the emerging demand for dependent older adults, especially those who are partially dentate. Implementing training and education programmes for care staff with a focus on prevention would be welcomed. Undertaking dental examinations prior to admission as well as on a regular basis in combination with a daily oral hygiene routine is recommended. Ultimately a higher standard of oral care could be provided if a collaborative approach was adopted by healthcare professionals and the care sector.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Northern Ireland via telephone and face-to-face with a range of stakeholders. Interviews continued until saturation was achieved using a purposive sampling strategy. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.
Results: Thirty-one interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including: dependent older adults (n=9), formal and informal carers (n=12), dentists (n=7), experts and researchers specialised in ageing/ oral health research (n=3). Five themes emerged from the interviews and included: lack of awareness of oral health, resistance from care staff to engage in oral health practices, the importance of oral health for maintaining quality of life, diet and nutritional status, increasing complexity of patients and their oral health and improvements needed to oral healthcare for dependent older adults.
Conclusions: Agreement was voiced that oral health care provision must be developed to meet the emerging demand for dependent older adults, especially those who are partially dentate. Implementing training and education programmes for care staff with a focus on prevention would be welcomed. Undertaking dental examinations prior to admission as well as on a regular basis in combination with a daily oral hygiene routine is recommended. Ultimately a higher standard of oral care could be provided if a collaborative approach was adopted by healthcare professionals and the care sector.